Gameweek 33 Preview - Fantasy Premier League Tips, Top Captaincy Picks, and Differentials

With Arsenal and Manchester City securing vital three points in Gameweek 32, the Premier League run-in intensifies, with just a single-point difference among the top-three teams. Kevin De Bruyne's brace and assist, along with Kai Havertz's goal and assist for Arsenal against Brighton, highlight the excitement, with the German forward boasting 10 attacking returns in seven gameweeks. Additionally, Mohamed Salah's historic goal at Old Trafford marks a milestone as the highest-scoring visiting player at the Theater of Dreams.

The FPL Challenge continues to captivate, with the 'Red Rivalry' presenting managers with Manchester United and Liverpool players who scored double points the previous gameweek. As we pivot to the upcoming 'Sportsmanship' theme, this weekend's FPL challenge introduces a unique twist with multiplied penalties for yellow and red cards.

With only 6-7 gameweeks left and the next FPL deadline approaching rapidly, join me, The FPL Manual, as I analyze ideal player targets and unveil top differentials for Gameweek 33.

Another week, another leader at the top 🎢

Who will end next weekend at the summit? 👀 pic.twitter.com/vl1MZiNqTR

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 7, 2024

Gameweek 33 FPL Tips

Invest in the Top-Three Title Contenders' Attack

According to statistics, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal are anticipated to generate 3.40 xG, 2.85 xG, and 2.55 xG against their opponents in Gameweek 33. It is also worth mentioning these top clubs have been projected to earn a clean sheet in the upcoming encounter, with a high likelihood of 44% for Liverpool and Arsenal, behind only Manchester City's greater possibility of 52%.

Essential players to target for attacking FPL returns include Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bukayo Saka. For those seeking budget differentials, Kai Havertz, Luis Diaz, and Jack Grealish emerge as top options within each team.

#FPL GW33 matchups

Goals and clean sheet projections for the upcoming round of Premier League games, via spread betting markets pic.twitter.com/1ubHBjJWDN

— Rob T (@robtFPL) April 10, 2024

Don't Ignore the London Boys: Brentford and Chelsea's Attacking Potential

Furthermore, projected statistics show that Brentford and Chelsea pose an attacking threat, with 2.35 xG and 2.05 xG predicted for Gameweek 33, respectively.

However, their defensive performances raise concerns, as both teams have only kept one clean sheet since Gameweek 30, highlighting weaknesses in their backlines. Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Ivan Toney, Yoane Wissa, and Sergio Reguilon are great choices for attacking FPL returns.

Get Rid of Spurs Assets for Double Gameweek 34

Ahead of Double Gameweek 34, where seven teams play twice, it's crucial to prioritize players with double fixtures. Unfortunately, Spurs will have a blank gameweek, making their assets less valuable. I recommend transferring out any Spurs players, especially if you have multiple on your team. Alternatively, invest in a strong bench for easy swaps to capitalize on the double gameweek fixtures.

FPL managers who kept the faith and held on to Kevin De Bruyne last weekend were over the moon with his solid performance against Crystal Palace where he scored a brace, including screamer from range, finishing with a total of 18 FPL points in Gameweek 32

In a recent head-to-head clash versus Luton Town, Kevin De Bruyne provided four assists against the Hatters in a FA Cup tie as he combined with Erling Haaland, who scored five goals in that encounter. After being rested in the recent Champions League clash against Real Madrid, the Belgian midfielder will be gearing up to be at his best against Luton Town this upcoming weekend and is crowned my top captain of the week.

Gameweeks 26-31 = 11 points 😑
Gameweek 32 = 18 points 🤩

De Bruyne is finding form at the right time. But with a European tie looming, will the Man City asset feature at all in a favourable Gameweek 33 fixture? 🤔#FPL pic.twitter.com/0QIRGi3nKF

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 9, 2024

Mohamed Salah (£13.4m) - Liverpool

With 17 goals and nine assists this season and totaling 156 Premier League goals for Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has been pivotal in maintaining his team's attacking prowess. Notably, he has scored eight goals and provided five assists in his last 13 appearances against Crystal Palace.

Rested for a portion of the team's previous UEFA Europa League match against Atalanta, Salah will be fit and ready to face the Eagles this weekend. Given his form and historical success against Palace, he emerges as a compelling choice for the captain's armband.

Bukayo Saka (£8.9m) - Arsenal

With 14 goals scored and 10 assists to his name, Bukayo Saka is enjoying his best goal-scoring season in an Arsenal shirt. Facing Aston Villa next, a team that has conceded 12 goals in its last five Premier League matches and will be traveling to the Emirates Stadium without midfield maestro Douglas Luiz who is unavailable due to suspension, Arsenal's "Starboy" will be eager to add to his tally and contribute to his team's success.

Only Ollie Watkins can better his total of 191 points this season ✅
A fairly favourable Double Gameweek 34 is on the horizon ✅

Who's backing Saka to provide the goods once again? 🌶#FPL pic.twitter.com/xBkWnVH6D4

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 9, 2024

FPL Challenge - Sportsmanship

In the fourth week of the FPL Challenge, the rules add a twist: yellow cards deduct five points, and red cards deduct eight points. RotoBaller provides insights on which assets to target or avoid for the upcoming weekend, considering this new aspect of fair play.

A reminder of the Gameweek 33 'Sportsmanship' Fantasy Challenge:

Red card = -8 points 🟥
Yellow card = -5 points 🟨

Have you picked your teams yet? 👀#FPLChallengeAccepted

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 9, 2024

Watch Out for Yellow-Card Magnets

Considering the new rules where a yellow card costs -5 points, it's crucial to avoid players prone to disciplinary issues. A single card could wipe out all earned points from goals, clean sheets, or assists.

To that end, I'm going to compile a list of players with the most likely chance of getting carded in a Premier League match. With a total of 12 yellow cards, Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is the player with the highest number of yellow card offenses. Other players at the top of the list include Nicolas Jackson, Darwin Nunez, Bruno Fernandes, Morgan Gibbs-White, Kai Havertz, Malo Gusto, Christian Romero, Rodri, Yves Bissouma, John McGinn, and many others.

Try to avoid the players listed above if you are participating in this week's challenge. To maintain a high success rate this week, managers should nevertheless focus on a few players who are not well-known for interfering with the referees: Chris Wood, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Virgil Van Dijk, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Leandro Trossard are possible options to target.

Top Differentials to Consider (<10% ownership)

Chris Wood (£4.9m) - Nottingham Forest

Leading the line for Nottingham Forest, the 32-year-old forward has found the net four times in his last four appearances. With a total of 12 Premier League goals this season, Wood's recent form has been impressive, aided by teammate Morgan Gibbs-White's contributions in the No. 10 role.

Projections indicate a 32% likelihood of Wood finding the net against upcoming opponents Wolves and I anticipate the experienced forward to continue his stellar form, playing a crucial role in Nottingham Forest's bid to avoid relegation.

Have you had your eye on Chris Wood after four consecutive goals? 👀

The Nott'm Forest forward is an #FPL price riser ⏫ pic.twitter.com/M5PkqUnVvB

— Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) April 9, 2024

Bruno Fernandes (£8.2m) - Manchester United

With six goals and six assists this season, the Manchester United captain has been a creative force, leading the Premier League in chances created. Despite the disappointing run of results for Manchester United, the Portuguese international has accumulated a total of 35 FPL points in his last five Premier League games for the Red Devils.

Seeking redemption from its 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture back in December, Manchester United will rely on Fernandes' creativity to secure a victory against Bournemouth this upcoming weekend.

The technique from @B_Fernandes8 😮‍💨

Bruno Fernandes' strike against Liverpool was from 45 yards out - the furthest Premier League goal this season 👏 pic.twitter.com/bxI3JMgxB7

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 10, 2024

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